Make a Gift/Donation

Partner with CCC

WYCC PBS Chicago

Community Health Care Worker

Full Description

The Community Health Care Worker program is designed to focus on competencies universally required for primary and preventive health care. The curriculum also serves students who may wish to enter into a nursing program or other allied health professions. Research shows that many health educator programs at the university level (bachelor, masters) require as a core curriculum the same knowledge and competence areas incorporated into this program.

Mission

The mission of the Malcolm X College Community Health Care Worker Program is to educate and graduate competent members to enter the field as entry level Community Health Workers. Individuals will provide high quality health care by being compassionate and delivering robust quality care.

Program Outcomes

Communicate with a diverse patient population using effective oral and written communication.

Understand the fundamentals of epidemiology.

Identify the role nutrition plays in health.

Understand common mental health issues.

Admission Requirements

Students who are eligible for English 101 may apply to the Community Health Worker Program.

Program Curriculum and Course Description

Public Health and the Study of Disease and Epidemics:

This course is designed to introduce the basic principles surrounding the distribution of disease and epidemics in human populations. Through the use of lectures and field exercises, students will learn the fundamentals of epidemiology, and the basic science of public health. From historical perspectives to current day context, how disease differentially impacts populations will be the focus. Topics covered include surveillance of disease, the distribution of health outcomes (with particular emphasis on health inequities), outbreak investigation, the impact of the media on health outcomes, measurement of health outcomes, study design, and the impact of epidemiologic students on policy development and implementation. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Introduction to Community Health Care Worker:

This course provides an overview of the health care system and community health work. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the community health workers, the scope of their function and the types of services they may provide, and how they interact with other health personnel and resources. It includes principles of effective verbal and non-verbal communication to assist students in encouraging positive interaction. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Nutrition, Exercise, and Disease:

This course will provide students with the information necessary to promote healthy eating styles and proper food preparation for all age groups. This course gives students information about identifying the relationship of diet to disease. Attention is given to the treatment of disease by diet modification. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Mental Health Issues:

This course will provide an overview of mental issues and concerns of community and families. This course also covers the more prevalent diseases such as depression, domestic violence, developmental delays, alcoholism, etc. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Field Experience:

This course is an introduction to clinical experience in community health that includes field experience and basic skills for working effectively in communities in order to serve as a liaison between health care and social service providers and the communities they serve. It includes providing patient advocacy, utilizing professional communication skills, and incorporating approaches for working effectively with community health agencies such as public health departments, schools, correctional health, and other appropriate agencies. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. ​ ​